Philippine Politics

and Governance
Quarter 1 – Module 7:
The Roles and Responsibilities of
the Philippine Senate and the
House of Representatives

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Self-Directed Learning Materials

Department of Education – Republic of the Philippines
Philippine Politics and Governance – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 7: The Roles and Responsibilities of Philippine Senate and the
House of Representatives
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Ronald A. Añong
Editor: Divilyn M. Rodriguez
Reviewer: Amylyn F. Labasano, PhD
Illustrator: Ronald A. Añong
Layout Artist: Ronald A. Añong
Management Team: Reynaldo M. Guillena
Basilio P. Mana-ay Jr.
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Philippine Politics
and Governance
Quarter 1 – Module 7:
The Roles and Responsibilities of
Philippine Senate and the House
of Representatives
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Philippine Politics and Governance Alternative Delivery Mode

(ADM) Module on The Roles and Responsibilities of Philippine Senate and the
House of Representatives!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in
helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while
overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also
aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

Dear Teacher,
This module is designed for one
week only and rest assured that the
activities given are also good for the time
allotted. Enjoy facilitating!

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them
to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the Philippine Politics and Governance Alternative Delivery Mode

(ADM) Module on The Roles and Responsibilities of Philippine Senate and the
House of Representatives!

The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often
used to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create
and accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a
learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant
competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in
your own hands!

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 This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an
active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of

the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of
the lesson learned. This also tends retention
of learned concepts.

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 Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the
module.
At the end of this module you will also find:

References: This is a list of all sources used in developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you learn the topic on the roles and responsibilities of Philippine Senate and the
House of Representatives. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary
level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the
course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with
the module you are now using.

The learners based on MELCS will be able to

1. differentiate the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine Senate and the
House of Representatives.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine Senate and the House
of Representatives;
2. appreciate the process of creating a law; and
3. appraise the impact of congress performance on Philippine development.

This module focuses on the topic the Roles and Responsibilities of the
Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives which will be discussed for the
whole week.

What I Know

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the letter on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Which of the following branches of government deals with the making,

deliberation over, enactment, amendment and repealing of laws?
A. Judiciary branch C. Legislative branch
B. Executive branch D. Local government unit

2. How many senators compose the Philippine Senate?

A. 12 C. 24
B. 16 D. 30

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3. What is the term of office of a senator?
A. six years per term, maximum of two terms
B. six years per term, not eligible for re-election
C. six years per term, maximum of two successive terms
D. six years per term, maximum of two consecutive terms

4. Creation of laws: _____________ : interpretation of laws: judiciary

A. Executive C. Ombudsman
B. Legislative D. Supreme Court

5. Which of the following has the power to review declarations of martial law
and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus?
A. Congress C. Executive Department
B. Supreme Court D. National Bureau of Investigation

6. The members of the Philippine House of Representatives may be elected by

means of district proportional representation system and ___.
A. people C. party-list
B. plurality D. nationwide

7. To whom is legislative power vested?

A. Department of Justice
B. Office of the President
C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
D. Philippine Senate and House of Representatives

8. The following statements describe the function of the House of the

Representatives, EXCEPT:
A. The members of this house have a term of three years.
B. They are the only chamber that has the power to impeach higher officials.
C. They make bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on
committees.
D. This is and is often referred to as the “Lower House” headed by the
Speaker of the House.

9. What conveys principles and sentiments of the members of the Senate or the
House of Representative?
A. Bill C. Resolution
B. Veto D. Referendum

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10. Which of the following candidates is qualified to run as senator of the
country?
A. Ricardo Amorsolo: registered voter, 25 years old
B. Marlito Pandan: 35 years old, natural born Filipino citizen
C. Jason Palapas: resident of the Philippines for one year, able to read and
write.
D. John Nowitzki: naturalized Filipino (originally a French), 50 years old,
Harvard graduate.

11. Can the bill be enacted even without the signature of the President?
A. Yes, the bill is not necessary to be signed by the president.
B. No, because the Congress is the only department to enact the bill.
C. No, because the President is the sole authority to enact the bill into a
law.
D. Yes, if the president may not act on the bill within thirty days of its
receipt.

12. The following are the roles and functions of both the Senate and the House
of Representatives, EXCEPT:
A. They pass bills into the President to become laws.
B. They have the sole power to declare the existence of a state of war.
C. They introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on
committees.
D. They have the power to revoke the President’s proclamation of martial
law by a vote of at least a majority of all members of both chambers.

13. Which article of the 1987 Constitution talks about the legislative power of
the Philippine Congress?
A. Article III C. Article V
B. Article IV D. Article VI

14. Which of the following does not belong to the classification of powers of
Congress?
A. People Powers C. Implied Powers
B. Special Powers D. Inherent Powers

15. What system of rules which a particular country or community recognizes

as regulating the actions of its members and enforce by the imposition of
penalties?
A. bill C. policy
B. law D. statute

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 Lesson The Roles and Responsibilities

1 of Philippine Senate and the

House of Representatives

How many years of basic education should a student complete? What

punishment will somebody get if he or she steals? How much tax should be
imposed on properties? Can a Filipino abroad vote during elections? How fast can a
person drive his or her car on a highway?

Have you ever wondered what rules apply to these questions? Or have you
ever thought who creates these rules in the first place?

The lawmakers in the Philippine legislature create these rules or laws. In

this module, you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of Philippine Senate
and the House of Representatives, the organization of the legislative branch; and
how to create a bill and make it a law.

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 What’s In?

Activity 1: True or False. Read the following statements carefully. Write T if the
statement is true, and F if it is false. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

________1. The executive power shall be vested in the President of the Philippines.

________2. An acting President possesses power to appoint without the

confirmation of Congress.

________3. The President has a sole power to rule the country.

________4. The Executive Department has the power to make laws and to alter or
amend them.

________5. Both the legislative and the executive play a key role for the economic
progress where the two works hand in hand to achieve the goals of a
better nation.

Activity 2: Get to Know the Members of Congress

Perform what is indicated below.

2.1 Get to know your Senators

The box contains the names of the present 24 Senators of the Republic of the
Philippines. Match their names to their pictures. Write the letter of your answer on
a separate sheet of paper.

A. Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay M. Joel Villanueva

B. Leila M. De Lima N. Grace L. Poe
C. Ralph G. Recto O. Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
D. Vicente C. Sotto III P. Franklin M. Drilon
E. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson Q. Ronald "Bato" M. dela Rosa
F. Win Gatchalian R. Risa Hontiveros
G. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan S. Emmanuel "Manny" D.Pacquiao
H. Cynthia A. Villar T. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara
I. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. U. Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
J. Imee R. Marcos V. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III
K. Richard J. Gordon W. Pia S. Cayetano
L. Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri X. Christopher Lawrence T. Go

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____1. ____4. ____7.

____2. ____5. ____8.

____3. ____6. ____ ____9.

____10.

2.2 Get to know your Representative/s

Write on the space provided below the full name of your congressmen,
representative in your province, or district.

___________________________________ __________________________________

___________________________________ __________________________________

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 What’s New

Activity 3: The Comparison (Who does what?)

Read each statement carefully and decide if it is related to the House of
Representatives, the Senate or both. Write the letter of the item inside the Venn
diagram.

A. This is often referred to as the “Upper House”.

B. The term of office for its members is six years.
C. They pass bills to the President to become laws.
D. There are twenty-four members in this chamber.
E. They are involved in the national budget process.
F. The members of this house has a term of three years.
G. It is composed of not more than two hundred and fifty members.
H. They have the sole power to declare the existence of a state of war.
I. Members of the House represent citizens of their respective district/province.
J. They are the only chamber that has the power to approve an impeached
official.
K. It is the only body that can concur with treaties, and can try impeachment
cases.
L. They introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on
committees.
M. The functions of this house are to make laws and scrutinize the work of the
Government.
N. This is headed by the Speaker of the House and is often referred to as the
“Lower House”.
O. They have the power to revoke the President’s proclamation of martial law by
a vote of at least a majority of all members of both chambers.

SENATE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES

BOTH

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 What is It

You have learned that under the principle of separation of powers, the three
branches of government exercise powers independent of each other. The legislative
branch creates the laws which the executive implements and which the judiciary
interprets. In this module, you will focus on the undertakings of the legislative
department.

ARTICLE VI. LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VI, Section 1,

legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines, which shall
consist of a Senate, and a House of the Representatives except to the extent
reserved to the people by the provision on initiative and referendum.

The table below shows the differences and similarities of the Senate and the
House of Representatives.

SENATE HOUSE OF THE

REPRESENTATIVE

They are Senator Congressman/

commonly Congress-woman
called as...
I. Composition It is the upper chamber of the It is the lower chamber of
congress of the Philippines. It is the congress of the
composed of 24 senators. They Philippines. The House,
are elected at large (nationwide) often informally called
by the qualified voters, as “Congress,” is composed of
maybe provided by law (Sec. 2.) not more than 250
unless otherwise provided by members popularly known
law, the regular elections of as “Congressmen.” They
senators shall be held on the are elected members from
second Monday of May. (Sec. legislative or congressional
8.) districts and through a

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 party-list system. The
party-list or sectorial
representatives are filled by
selection or election from
the labor, peasant, etc. and
other sectors as may be
provided by law, except the
religious sector. (Sec. 5.)
Unless otherwise provided
by law, the regular election
of the members of the
House of Representatives
shall be held on the second
Monday of May. (Sec. 8.)

II. Term of Office Term of office – it is six (6) Terms of office – it is three
years. It shall commence, (3) years, to begin also,
unless otherwise provided by unless otherwise provided
law, at noon on the 30th day of by law, at noon on the 30th
June next following their day next following their
election. (Sec. 4, Par. 1.) The election. (Sec. 7. Par. 1.)
Constitution has similar The house of
provisions limiting terms of representatives is intended
office with respect to the to be close to the people.
president and vice-president The shorter term of three
(Art. VII, 7.), and elective local (3) years is expected to
affairs. (Art. X, Sec.8.) The make the representatives
hour and date of more responsive and
commencement of the term of sensitive by with-holding a
office of the president and vice- new mandate.
president cannot be changed by
law.

III. Qualifications Qualifications – A senator must Qualifications – A

be: representative must be:

a) A natural-born citizen of a) A natural-born

the Philippines; citizen of the
b) At least 35 years of age Philippines;
on the day of b) At least 25 years of
election(i.e., day of the age on the day of the
balloting); election;
c) Able to read and write; c) Able to read and
d) A registered voter; and write;
e) A resident of the d) Except for a party-
Philippines for not less list representatives,
than two (2) years a registered voter in
immediately preceding the district in which
the day of the election. he shall be elected;
(Sec.3.) and
e) A resident thereof for
The above Qualifications are a period of not less
beyond the authority of than one (1) year

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 congress to diminish, preceding the day of
increase or alter. the election. (Sec.
6.)
Maximum terms – in line
with the state policy on Congress is not empowered
equal-access to to modify the above
opportunities for public qualifications.
service and against political Maximum terms – the
dynasties (see Art. II, Sec. provisions are the same as
26,), a Senator is those for Senators except
disqualified to serve for that the limit is for not
more than two (2) more than three (3)
consecutive terms. (Sec. 4, consecutive terms. (Sec. 7,
par. 2.) While theoretically par. 2.)
the people are the best
judge of whether an official
should be re-elected or not, Under the constitution, a
the constitution has opted representative cannot serve
to impose term limits to continuously for more than
guard against the weakness (9) years.
in our culture that tends to
perpetuate political Again, the purpose is to
dynasties. (Art. II, Sec. 26.) prevent the growth of
There is no shortage of political dynasties (Art. II,
highly talented and Sec. 26.), or wardlordism –
motivated men and women terms which in our country
to replace those who have have come to connote guns
long been in office. and goons and almost
absolute power – which in
At any rate, a Senator can the past made it impossible
still run for re-election after for service. After some re-
a break or interval. There is elections, the politician
no limit as to the number of managed to accumulate
years one can serve as much wealth and to set up
Senator. What is prohibited his own formidable
is to serve for more than two political machinery such
(2) successive terms. Nut a that in many places the
voluntary renunciation of people could not freely
the office by a Senator for choose their candidates
any length of time shall not because they were coerced
be considered as an into submission by
interruption in the “professional politicians”
continuity of his service for who had become powerful
the full term for which he on account of long tenure.
was elected. The term limits for elected
public officials will level the
playing field for candidates
especially for newcomers to
the political arena.

IV. Roles and The Senate is responsible in all The House of

Responsibilities matters proposing amendments Representatives introduce
to the Constitution of the bills and resolutions, offer

14
 Philippines and the compilation amendments and serve on
and revision of existing codes committees.
and laws; election laws and
implementation of
constitutional provisions
on initiative and referendum on
legislative acts; recall of elective
officials; the role and rights of
people's.

Powers and Functions

Legislative power is essentially the authority under the constitution to make
laws and subsequently, when the need arises, to alter and repeal them. It is the
peculiar task of the legislature to prescribe general rules for the government of
society. This legislative function involves the determination of the legislative policy
and its promulgation as a defined and binding rule of conduct through the
enactment of a law.

Scope of Legislative Power of Congress

• Plenary or General – a grant of legislative power means the grant of all

legislative powers for all purposes of civil government. Accordingly, the
legislative power of congress, except to the extent reserved to the people by
the provision on initiative and referendum (see Sec. 32.), may be
characterized as plenary or general subject only to specific limitations in the
constitution.

• Legislative Powers not expressly delegated deemed granted – the

delegated powers of our congress are broader than the legislative powers of
the American congress. The latter’s legislative powers are confined only to
those granted by the federal constitution. Hence, powers not granted or
powers that cannot reasonably implied from the granted powers are denied
to the American congress.

Classification of Powers of Congress

The primary function of congress is to legislate. The Constitution, however,
has also expressly given its powers which are non-legislative in character.

The powers of Congress may be classified into:

1) General Legislative Power is the power to enact laws intended as rules of

conduct to govern the relations among individuals or between the
individuals and the state. Congress can enact any law as long as it is not
contrary to the constitution. Unless otherwise decreed by a competent court,
a law is presumed constitutional;

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2) Special Powers are powers which the constitution expressly directs or
authorizes congress to exercise like the power to choose who shall become
president in case two or more candidates have an equal highest number of
votes (Art. VII, Sec. 4, part. 4.)

a. to confirm certain appointments by the president

b. to promote social justice
c. to declare the existence of a state of war
d. to impose taxes or Power of Taxation)
e. to appropriate money
f. to impeach
g. to act as a constituent assembly)

3) Implied Powers are those essential or necessary to the effective exercise of

the powers expressly granted, like the power to conduct inquiry and
investigation in the aid of legislation.
a. to punish members for contempt
b. to determine the rules of its proceedings

4) Inherent Powers are the powers which are possessed and can be exercised
by every government because they exist as an attribute of sovereignty. In
other words, they are always deemed conferred by the people if not expressly
granted by them in the Constitution. These powers which are legislative in
nature are the power of taxation, power of eminent domain and police power.
The fall under the general legislative powers of Congress.

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 What’s More

The Lawmaking Process

How are laws created? What processes did they undergo before they became
laws? This section presents the basics on how a bill becomes a law. The Web site
of the Philippine Congress (http://www.congress.gov.ph/) presents the legislative
process. Here is a summary:

Transmittal Presidential Action on Action on

to President Action Approved Bill Vetoed Bill

1. Preparation of the bill

2. First reading
3. Committee consideration/action
4. Second reading
5. Third reading
6. Transmittal of approved bill to the other house (where procedures 1 to 5
also happen)
7. Conference committee (if there are differences or disagreements)
8. Submission of the bill to the president
9. Presidential action on the bill

If the president approves the bill, the same is assigned an RA (Republic Act)
number and is then transmitted to the House where it originated. Afterward,
copies of the bill are reproduced and sent to the office of the Official Gazette for
publication and distribution to the implementing agencies. Finally, it will be
included in the annual compilation of Acts and Resolutions.

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 If the bill is vetoed, it is transmitted to the House where it originated
together with the message of the president citing the reason for the bill’s
disapproval. The Congress may decide to override the veto of the president. If two-
thirds of the members in each house vote to override the veto, then the bill
becomes a law.

If the President does not act on the bill within thirty (30) days from its
receipt, the same shall be considered approved. It is called a pocket veto. This is
implied from the fact that if the President does not communicate his veto of any bill
to the House where it is originated within 30 days after the date of receipt thereof,
the same shall become a law as if he had signed it. It means that the bill becomes
a law by reason of inaction or the President’s failure to act on the bill.

What I Have Learned

Activity 4: What Am I? Complete the puzzle by supplying the missing letters.

Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Letter clues are provided for you
as guide.

9 P A 2 W R
6 E
O 8
5 N T T T N
S S L

O
T 10

R M

1 N E S
R
4

W E D
E

T 3 G S T W

7 N T O S .
V

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 Across:
1. It is composed of two legislative houses: the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
3. It refers to the primary function of Congress.
5. It provided Congress with general, specific, and implied legislative and non-
legislative powers in order that its constitutional mandate is performed
satisfactorily.
7. They are the powers which are possessed and can be exercised by every
government because they exist as an attribute of sovereignty.
9. They are powers which the Constitution expressly directs or authorizes
congress to exercise like the power to choose who shall become president in
case two or more candidates have an equal highest number of votes.

Down:
2. It pertains to the power to enact, modify or abolish the law.
4. It is the upper chamber of the Congress of the Philippines.
6. It is the lower chamber of the Congress of the Philippines.
8. It is a draft of a law presented to legislation for enactment, by the approval of
Congress and the President of the Republic.
10.These are the powers essential or necessary to the effective exercise of the
powers expressly granted.

What I Can Do

Activity 5: Creating an Essay about the Roles of Congress

The participation of citizens in matters of public concern is fundamental in

any democratic system. The government recognizes the participation and the
indispensable role of the youth in public and civic affairs. That means, you can
communicate the Congress directly on issues that you want to raise. Remember,
solutions to problems can be in the form of legislation or a law.

Guide Questions:

1. What are the current issues or problems that need to be addressed?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. How can your representative in the Congress be of help in this regard?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

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3. Given the pressing problems of the country at present, what do you think
are the qualities that a Senator or Representative should possess? Why?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Rubric for Essay

Excellent Very Good Average Needs

5 4 3 Improvement
2
The paper is The paper is The writer is Topic is not
clear and mostly beginning to well-defined
focused. It focused, define and/or
holds the and has the topic, even there are too
reader's some though many
Ideas attention. good details development is topics.
Relevant and still
details and quotes. basic or
quotes enrich general.
the central
theme.
The Paper (and The Sentences
organization paragraphs) organizational within
enhances and are structure is paragraphs
showcases the mostly strong make
central idea or organized, in enough to sense, but the
theme. The order, and move order of
Organization order, makes sense the reader paragraphs
structure of to through does
information is the reader. the text not.
compelling and without too
moves the much
reader through confusion.
the text.
The writing The writing The text hums The text
has an easy mostly along with a seems
flow, rhythm, flows, and steady beat, choppy and is
and cadence. usually but not
Sentences are invites tends to be easy to read
Sentence well built, with oral reading. more orally.
Fluency strong and businesslike
varied than
structure that musical, more
invites mechanical
expressive oral than
reading. fluid.

20
 Assessment

Multiple Choice. Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of the correct
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What branch of the government is responsible for the enactment of laws?

A. Judicial branch C. Local government
B. Executive branch D. Legislative branch

2. The following are qualifications of a Representative, EXCEPT:

A. Able to read and write
B. A natural-born citizen of the Philippines
C. At least 35 years of age on the day of election
D. A resident thereof for a period of not less than one (1) year preceding the
day of the election

3. The following are functions of the legislative branch, EXCEPT:

A. signing of laws C. enactment of laws
B. creation of laws D. amendments of laws

4. It is a draft of law presented to legislation for enactment.

A. Bill C. Ordinance
B. Policy D. Resolution

5. The following statements describe a bicameral legislature, EXCEPT:

A. It means that the Congress is composed of two House of Representatives.
B. It means that the Congress is composed of two chambers: Senate and
House of Representatives.
C. It means that the legislation is more susceptible to control by the
Executive Department.
D. It means that the legislative power, the authority to enact and
promulgate laws, is vested in the Congress of the Philippines.

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6. The following statements explain the differences between a Senator and a
Member of the House of Representatives, EXCEPT:
A. A Senator is trained to be the future leader of the country, whereas a
member of the House of Representatives is not.
B. Senator is elected at large by qualified voters, whereas a member of the
House of Representatives is elected in his district.
C. Although both are legislators, a senator is concerned with the national
interest of the people, while a member of the House of Representatives is
concerned only with the regional interest of the people.
D. A Senator introduces bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve
on committees, while a member of the House of Representatives is
responsible in all matters proposing amendments to the Constitution of
the Philippines.

7. Which part of the 1987 Constitution provides that “legislative power shall be
vested in the Congress of the Philippines, which shall consist of a Senate,
and a House of the Representatives except to the extent reserved to the
people by the provision on initiative and referendum”?
A. Article III, Section 1 C. Article V, Section 1
B. Article IV, Section 1 D. Article VI, Section 1

8. Which of the following is the power to enact laws intended as rules of

conduct to govern the relations among individuals or between the
individuals and the state?
A. Implied Powers C. Inherent Powers
B. Special Powers D. General Legislative Powers

9. The following are the definitions of Inherent Powers of Congress EXCEPT

one.
A. They are the powers which are possessed and can be exercised by every
government because they exist as an attribute of sovereignty.
B. They are always deemed conferred by the people if not expressly granted
by them in the Constitution.
C. These powers which are legislative in nature are the power of taxation,
power of eminent domain and police power.
D. They are powers which the constitution expressly directs or authorizes
congress to exercise like the power to choose who shall become president
in case two or more candidates have an equal highest number of votes.

10. It is headed by the Speaker of the House and is often referred to as the
“Lower House”.
A. Supreme Court C. Department of Justice
B. House of Senate D. House of Representative

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11. Which of the following best explains the phrase “shall be elected at large”
especially for those running for Senator?
A. They shall be elected only in their own province.
B. They shall be elected within the House of Senate.
C. They shall be elected by the people of the Philippines.
D. They shall be elected both in The House of Senate and House of
Representative.

12. The following are the processes of making a bill into law, EXCEPT:
A. When the President approve the bill by signing it.
B. When the President may not act on the bill within thirty days of its
receipt.
C. If the bill is vetoed by the President, there is no chance that it will
become a law.
D. If the bill is vetoed by the President, the Congress by 2/3 votes of each
house may override it and shall become a law.

13. The following are included in the Special Powers of Congress, EXCEPT:
A. Declare the existence of a state of war.
B. Confirm certain appointments by the President.
C. Power to conduct inquiry and investigation in aid of legislation.
D. Choose who shall become the President in case two or more candidates
have an equal and highest number of votes.

14. The following statements are true, EXCEPT:

A. No Senator can serve for more than two consecutive terms.
B. The Senate shall elect its Speaker and the House of Representatives its
President.
C. No member of the House of the Representatives shall serve for more than
three consecutive terms.
D. The House of the Representatives shall be composed of not more than
two hundred and fifty members, unless otherwise fixed by law.

15. The following statements describe the House of the Representatives,

EXCEPT:
A. The members of this house have a term reference of three years.
B. They are the only chamber that has the power to approve an impeached
official.
C. They introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on
committees.
D. This is headed by the Speaker of the House and is often referred to as the
“Lower House”.

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 Additional Activity

Activity 6: Family Rules Matter

Make a reflection about the statements below and answer it on a separate sheet of
paper. Be guided with the rubrics below.

“Rules and policies are important in the proper and orderly functioning of a society.
The legislature becomes important in this regard.” How about in your family? Who
creates rules? What are some of these rules? Do you think it is necessary to follow
these rules? Why?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Rubric for Learners’ Reflection

Above
Meets Approaching Below
Expectations
Expectations Expectations Expectations
4 3 3 1
The reflection The reflection The reflection The reflection
explains the explains the attempts to does not
student’s own student’s demonstrate address the
thinking and thinking about thinking about student’s
learning his/her own learning but is thinking
Reflective processes, as learning vague and/or and/or
Thinking well as processes. unclear about learning.
implications for the personal
future learning. learning
process.

The reflection is The reflection The reflection The reflection

an in-depth is an analysis attempts to does not move
analysis of the of the learning analyze the beyond a
learning experience and learning description of
experience, the the value of experience but the learning
value of the the derived the value of experience.
Analysis derived learning learning to self the learning to
to self or others, or others. the student or
and the others is vague
enhancement of and/or
the student’s unclear.
appreciation for
the discipline.

24
 Making The reflection The reflection The reflection The reflection
Connections articulates articulates attempts to does not
multiple connections articulate articulate any
connections between this connections connection to
between this learning between this other learning
learning experience and learning or experiences.
experience and content from experience and
content from other courses, content from
other courses, past learning other courses,
past learning, experiences, past learning
life experiences and/or future experiences, or
and/or future goals. personal goals,
goals. but the
connection is
vague and/or
unclear.

25
 26
What I Have Learned What I Can Do Additional Activity
Across: 1. Answer may vary 1. Answer may vary
1. Congress 2. Answer may vary
3. Legislate 3. Answer may vary
5. Constitution
7. Inherent Powers
9. Special Powers
Down:
2. Legislative Powers
Assessment
4. Senate
6. House of Representatives 1. D
8. Bill 2. C
10. Implied Powers 3. A
4. A
5. C
What's In 6. D
7. B
Activity 1 8. D
1. F 9. D
2. F 10. D
3. F 11. C
4. F 12. C
5. T 13. C
14. B
Activity 2.1 15. B
1. D
What I Know 2. X
3. E
1. C
4. Q
2. C
5. P
3. D
6. I
4. B
7. S
5. A
8. N
6. C
9. B
7. D What’s New
10. H
8. B
9. C Senate:
Activity 2.2 A, B, D, J, K
10. B
1. Answers may vary
11. D
12. C House of Representative:
13. B F, G, I, L, M, N
14. A
15. B Both:
C, E, H, O
Answer Key
References

Books:

Pawilen, R. A. and Pawilen, Reidan M., Philippine Politics and Governance, Rex
Bookstore Inc., Manila: 2017

Philippine Constitution, 1987

Reyno, Rhoda G., LAS Philippine Politics and Governance, DepEd Regional Office
No. 02 (Cagayan Valley), Regional Government Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City,
3500

Villanueva, Prince Aian G., DIWA Senior High School Series: Philippine Politics and
Governance e-Module, Diwa Learning Systems Inc., Makati City, Philippines: 2017

Websites:

http://www.congress.gov.ph/

http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisinfo/?v=students

http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=9042

https://www.slideshare.net/MarrieAngelaSantiago/ph-legislative

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/about/gov/the-legislative-branch/

27
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Davao City Division Learning Resource Management Development

System (LRMDS)

Elpidio Quirino Ave., Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur

Telefax: (082) 224-3274, (082) 222-1672

Email Address: davaocity.division@deped.gov.ph